Israel Folau?

[Desipura]

Re: Israel Folau?

At 195cm? Would he match up Alwyn Davey?

I just assumed they would try to turn him into a key defender, or consider a follower, roaming type role?

Play him at centre half back and hope the other defenders can cover for him, similar to Tom Williams.

[jazzadogs]

Re: Israel Folau?

I read a report in which he said he wants to play Full Forward (obviously he was only talking hypothetically at that stage, because he hadn't/hasn't signed). Got the marking power and strength, not so sure about the kicking ability or smarts.

[mighty_west]

Re: Israel Folau?

Life must be pretty good for Israel, take the money & run i say, do his 3 years, cash in, then head back to Rugby after that were he can go back to being a genuine superstar.

Unless the AFL continue chipping in with his "promotional" funds after the 3 years, you wouldn't expect an athlete [as good a athlete as he may be] with no footy smarts what so ever [see Tom Williams, struggles against the better sides] would demand big bucks after his first 3 years, especially when GWS poach 8 or so un contracted players, plus having so many first round selected players on their list, they would have to have quite a few gems in that batch, just like GC17.

[mighty_west]

Re: Israel Folau?

I read a report in which he said he wants to play Full Forward (obviously he was only talking hypothetically at that stage, because he hadn't/hasn't signed). Got the marking power and strength, not so sure about the kicking ability or smarts.

I think many of us here on Woof grew up watching Templeton & Beasley live, and wanted to play full forward for the Dogs one day...

[Topdog]

Re: Israel Folau?

Exactly, this is going to put GWS on the map. In term of marketing for this club and the AFL brand he is still being under paid for what they are going to get(remembering the Hunt defection was the biggest football story ever(of all the codes)).

I've heard this bandied about a lot but I just don't buy it. Besides Mike on On the Couch who is still talking about Hunt? Does anything think that people will go to an AFL game to see if Hunt is any good?

Personally I don't see it happening and whilst it is getting them on the map now, people will forget about it in 16 months.

[chef]

Re: Israel Folau?

I've heard this bandied about a lot but I just don't buy it. Besides Mike on On the Couch who is still talking about Hunt? Does anything think that people will go to an AFL game to see if Hunt is any good?

Personally I don't see it happening and whilst it is getting them on the map now, people will forget about it in 16 months.

You would need someone who lives on the Gold Coast to answer that one as that is where it counts.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Israel Folau?

I think it a ridiculous situation..

Agree with whats been said on SEN this afternoon. How is it fair that they throw $6mil at one player who has never played the game and is just a marketing ploy that the people of Western Sydney will see right through.. compared to some rookies, elevated rookies or first year players who have been playing AFL all their life and earn $25-100k (estimate) until they are an established player.

$6mil..1 'Franchise' player..why not pump that into the clubs that compete in the TAC cup (one SEN caller suggested) give them a helping hand towards bright young players coming through the system and some that don't quite make it. Its a huge gamble..its say putting a $6mil towards your favourite roulette number, its going to come up at some point but it also may not ever come up. Spread the money around elsewhere and you will have a better success rate.

I hope it all backfires on both GWS & GC..and we see these 2 boys back in rugby within the first 2-3 years. One last point: They are athletic, yes..but do you think they have those first 16 years as a kid/junior at home/school kicking the footy around, those training drills? No, they are behind by that much. You think Izzy & Karm. Hunt have always dreamed of playing AFL? No chance. Unfair.

Yes some of these views were mentioned on SEN today and I agree with them all hence im voicing and sharing them to be discussed.

[Topdog]

Re: Israel Folau?

You would need someone who lives on the Gold Coast to answer that one as that is where it counts.

Well I'll go out on a limb and say that no one is talking about him. There is a heck of a lot of interest in GAJ though.

[AndrewP6]

Re: Israel Folau?

Care factor is pretty low, from where I sit. I'll check him out to see if he can actually play at all, but that's about it.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Israel Folau?

I would be very surprised if he played 50 AFL games.

I am pretty confident he will play more then 50 games.

[GVGjr]

Re: Israel Folau?

I would be very surprised if he played 50 AFL games.

I think that is the safer bet.

The most likely scenario is that after this contract expires he will switch to Rugby Union.

[jazzadogs]

Re: Israel Folau?

I've heard this bandied about a lot but I just don't buy it. Besides Mike on On the Couch who is still talking about Hunt? Does anything think that people will go to an AFL game to see if Hunt is any good?

Personally I don't see it happening and whilst it is getting them on the map now, people will forget about it in 16 months.

Whilst people might not be talking about him right now, I think the initial buzz did a lot for making them known in NSW/QLD, and his debut in the VFL (this week?) will undoubtedly get a bit of attention. When GC debut in the AFL, I'm sure they will use Hunt's first official game as a promotional tool.

I think Folau will do a lot better than Hunt, but maybe that's just because I've seen more of Izzy from his Storm days...

[chef]

Re: Israel Folau?

Well I'll go out on a limb and say that no one is talking about him. There is a heck of a lot of interest in GAJ though.

Now that he's back in the country, training and about to play his first game there might by a little interest in him.

[Throughandthrough]

Re: Israel Folau?

I think its good for the game. Even if he is poo, the TV rights will be worth more which mean a % of which goes to the dogs.

Simple economics.

[The Coon Dog]

Re: Israel Folau?

Can you really see all the little Muslim kids in West Sydney coming home & telling Mum & Dad that they love Israel?